Breast and Vaginal Health

Breast Health

  • Knowing what your breasts look and feel like can help you recognize when something is suddenly different. Be sure to do a breast self-exam. The best time to perform a self-exam is usually the week after your period ends.
  • It’s completely normal for your breasts to be different sizes, hang differently, have hair, and feel tender before and during your period, they’re beautiful and unique!
  • Tell your doctor if you do notice unusual changes to your breasts.
  • Know your risk for breast cancer by talking to your doctor about things that may put you at higher risk for the disease, including family history and neglecting physical activity.
  • Your risk for breast cancer goes up as you get older. In Ontario, it is recommend getting mammograms every 2 years for women 50 to 75, starting earlier for those who are more at risk.

Vaginal and Vulva Health

  • Did you know a vaginal self-exam can be just as important as regular breast self-exams? It can help you find unusual changes earlier than if you waited for a checkup and you could start treatment sooner.
  • Tell your doctor if you notice anything unusual such as:
    • Changes in the color, odor or amount of discharge (discharge generally varies in odor and colour from clear to a milky white based on your cycle)
    • Vaginal redness, itching, or bumps
    • Vaginal bleeding in between periods, sex, or menopause
    • Pain during intercourse or urination
  • A pelvic exam, completed annually, and a pap test, completed every three years starting at the age 21, ensure vaginal health through checking for STIs, cysts, early-stage cancer, and other health problems.
  • Common vaginal infections include bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections (75% of people with vaginas will have at least one in their lifetime).

Menstruation

  • Know your options when it comes to menstruation, including tampons, pads, and cups.
  • PMS or premenstrual syndrome is a group of changes that come one to two weeks before your period and can affect you physically, emotionally, or behaviourally.
  • You can lessen the impacts of PMS and period cramps through heat therapy, exercise, pain relivers, certain hormonal birth controls, and rest, although see a doctor if severe. (See the Nutrition and Fitness section on the Pillars of Health for Student Life page).
  • Practice good tampon hygiene by changing your tampon every 4 to 6 hours depending on flow, using pads on light flow days, and washing your hands frequently.

Tips for Vaginal Health

  • Always urinate after sexual intercourse and use barriers to prevent STIs.
  • Wear cotton underwear and looser-fitting clothing.
  • Avoid irritants such as douching, deodorant sprays, synthetic/deodorized tampons, harsh perfumed soaps, and bubble baths.
  • Use 100% cotton, unbleached tampons or pads.
  • Always wipe from front to back (away from the vagina) to prevent the spread of bacteria.
  • Be sure to meet your nutrition needs and exercise regularly (see the Nutrition and Fitness section on the Pillars of Health for Student Life page).

Resources